State BOE member Kaplan steps down

Florida Board of Education member Mark Kaplan has resigned, giving Gov. Rick Scott a chance to soon make another appointment to the seven-member panel. Here's the just-released statement from board chair Kathleen Shanahan:

“I received word from State Board of Education member Mark Kaplan today that he has tendered his resignation from the Board effective July 20, 2011, in order to pursue new opportunities for him and his family. Mark’s unwavering commitment to student success has been truly inspiring and his leadership, knowledge and dedication will be greatly missed as Florida continues its pursuit of educational excellence for all children. On behalf of the Florida State Board of Education I would like to thank Mark for his devoted service to the students of Florida and wish him much success in wherever his future endeavors may take him.”

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Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.